AncestryDNA utilizes a microarray-based autosomal DNA test to analyze your genetic information. Here's a breakdown of the process:
How AncestryDNA Tests Your DNA
- Saliva Sample: You provide a simple saliva sample.
- DNA Extraction: Ancestry extracts DNA from your saliva.
- Microarray Analysis: Your DNA is analyzed using a microarray that examines over 700,000 specific locations (markers) in your genome. According to the provided reference, AncestryDNA specifically uses a microarray-based autosomal DNA test to achieve this.
- Autosomal DNA: This test focuses on your autosomal chromosomes, which you inherit from both parents (not the X or Y sex chromosomes).
- Population Comparison: Your unique combination of 700,000 markers is compared against population data from over 2,600 global regions. This comparison reveals your ethnic origins and connects you with potential relatives.
Key Aspects of the Testing Process
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Sample Type | Saliva sample |
| Technology | Microarray-based autosomal DNA testing |
| Markers Examined | Over 700,000 locations in your DNA |
| Chromosomes Analyzed | Autosomal chromosomes (inherited from both parents) |
| Data Comparison | Your DNA is compared against population data from 2,600+ regions |
| Outcome | Provides ethnic origins estimates and potential DNA matches with living relatives (based on shared DNA markers) |
What does the DNA test tell you?
- Ethnicity Estimates: Provides a detailed report on your likely ethnic origins, often broken down by region or country.
- DNA Matches: Connects you with others in the Ancestry database who share DNA with you, indicating potential family relationships.
- Family Tree Building: Helps in building your family tree using your DNA results by identifying relatives to connect with and explore your ancestry further.
Practical Insights:
- Data Security: Ancestry employs security measures to protect your DNA information.
- Ongoing Updates: Ancestry updates its reference populations and algorithms periodically, which may refine your ethnicity estimates over time.
- Shared DNA Amounts: Understanding the percentage of shared DNA with a match is crucial for deciphering relationships.
By using this microarray method, AncestryDNA provides a detailed and insightful look into your genetic makeup and potential origins.
